US Secretary Marco Rubio Labels Cuba a National Security Threat After Raúl Castro Murder Charge
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has asserted that Cuba constitutes a "national security threat" to the United States. His comments surfaced a day after the US Department of Justice charged Cuba's former president, Raúl Castro, with murder for the 1996 downing of two aircraft, which resulted in the deaths of US nationals. Rubio indicated that while Washington prefers a "diplomatic solution", President Donald Trump retains the right and obligation to safeguard the nation from any perceived threats.
Cuba's Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodríguez, vehemently rejected Rubio's accusations, labelling them "lies" and maintaining that Cuba has never posed a threat to the US. Rodríguez further accused Rubio of attempting to "instigate a military aggression" and condemned the US government's "ruthless and systematic" attacks on his country. He posted his denial and counter-accusations on X.
Rubio also characterised Cuba as a "leading sponsor of terrorism in the entire region," an assertion which Rodríguez unequivocally denied. The US Secretary of State confirmed that Cuba has accepted a US offer of humanitarian aid totalling $100 million.
Cuba is currently grappling with a severe fuel crisis, exacerbated by an effective US oil blockade, leading to extensive power outages and food scarcity for months. This situation unfolds against the backdrop of sustained pressure from the Trump administration, which has openly discussed regime change in Cuba.
The indictment of Raúl Castro echoes the Trump administration's past actions, such as the January seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. When questioned on how Castro would be brought to the US to face charges, Rubio declined to elaborate on specific operational plans.
